With Malik Willis Likely On the Move, the Packers Should Take a Hard Look at Kyle McCord
The Green Bay Packers have a big question to answer this offseason - and it doesn’t involve their starting quarterback. Jordan Love looks like the guy for the foreseeable future.
But behind him? That’s where things get interesting.
Malik Willis, who stepped in admirably when Love missed time last season, is set to hit unrestricted free agency in March. And based on what he put on tape, it’s hard to imagine he won’t draw serious interest from quarterback-needy teams looking for a high-upside option.
In limited action, Willis threw for 422 yards and three touchdowns on a blistering 85.7% completion rate, while adding two more scores on the ground. That kind of dual-threat efficiency doesn’t go unnoticed - and it rarely comes cheap.
As much as Green Bay would love to keep him in the building as a high-end insurance policy, the writing’s on the wall. Willis is likely headed elsewhere, and that means GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur need to find a new QB2 - someone who can step in and keep the offense afloat if Love misses time again.
Enter Kyle McCord.
The former sixth-round pick out of Syracuse just became available after the Philadelphia Eagles let his practice squad contract expire. McCord didn’t make much noise in Philly - the Eagles never gave him a real shot, and their offense was a mess for most of the year.
But that doesn’t mean he’s not worth a look. In fact, there’s a lot to like if you’re the Packers.
McCord came into the league with one of the strongest arms in the 2025 draft class. He was the 181st overall pick, but his college resume tells a different story.
In his final season at Syracuse, he led the entire nation in completions (391), attempts (592), and passing yards (4,779), while tossing 34 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. That single season alone outpaced his entire three-year stint at Ohio State, where he totaled 3,776 yards and 27 touchdowns.
That kind of leap doesn’t happen by accident - it’s the mark of a quarterback who’s still ascending.
Now, it’s fair to point out that McCord’s time in Philadelphia didn’t go as planned. But context matters.
The Eagles’ offense was disjointed all year, and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo didn’t exactly put his young QB in a position to succeed. That’s a far cry from what McCord would be walking into in Green Bay.
The Packers have quietly built one of the league’s most intriguing offensive ecosystems. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion have done impressive work developing Jordan Love into a confident, rhythm-based passer - and they helped turn Malik Willis from a castoff into one of the league’s most efficient backups. That kind of track record matters when you’re evaluating potential landing spots for a developmental quarterback.
And let’s not overlook the supporting cast. With weapons like Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft, the Packers have the kind of young, explosive talent that can help a quarterback grow. McCord wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense - just to learn, develop, and be ready when called upon.
In today’s NFL, having a reliable backup quarterback isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. And with Willis likely headed out the door, Green Bay needs to find someone who can step into that role without a massive drop-off.
McCord may not be a finished product, but the tools are there. If the Packers believe in their development system - and they should - then this is exactly the kind of move that could pay off in a big way.
Young quarterbacks with McCord’s arm talent and production don’t hit the open market often. Green Bay would be wise to do their homework - and maybe even make a move - before someone else beats them to it.